Campus Vibe
Known for business — major research university
University of Iowa is a public institution in Iowa City with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1220, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 21.7K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
73% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $64,762 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $21,398.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
University of Iowa Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1220
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
58.3%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$18,207
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
164
Peer Average
240
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (333)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
89%
- •89% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Hawkeyes
History & Fun Facts
- •History Founding and early history Iowa Old Capitol Building, Iowa City, 1855 The University of Iowa was founded on February 25, 1847, just 59 days after Iowa was admitted to the Union.
- •The Constitution of the State of Iowa refers to a State University to be established in Iowa City "without branches at any other place.
- •The first faculty offered instruction at the university beginning in March 1855 to students in the Old Mechanics Building, located where the student recreational area east of Van Allen Hall is now.
- •In September 1855, there were 124 students, of whom forty-one were women.
- •The first president of the university was Amos Dean.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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